Choosing the right broadband solution for your home or business can often be a tricky decision to make. If you don’t get the decision right, you could get stuck with a broadband solution that doesn’t provide the speeds or bandwidth necessary for your requirements.
To avoid frustration, we’ve put together a list of scenarios where you should consider 4G broadband deals as a serious contender to traditional BT broadband deals.
But first of all, let’s explain what we mean when we’re talking about a BT broadband deal and 4G broadband.
What is meant by ‘BT Internet’?
In this article, when we say BT Internet or BT broadband, we are talking about BT fixed line broadband.
Fixed line broadband is a type of broadband connection that uses a physical landline to provide internet access to a home or office. It works by transmitting data through a copper phone line cable (standard ADSL broadband) or fibre cables. BT is one of the main providers of this type of broadband in the UK.
The BT broadband packages available to you are dependent on your address. Some locations will not yet have access to fibre broadband meaning they can only choose BT standard broadband. Others will only have access to Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) packages and a lucky few broadband customers will already have access to the fastest BT broadband deals available, which is Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
What is 4G Broadband?
4G Broadband is an alternative broadband option which is popular in rural areas. Unlike BT Internet, 4G Broadband is available anywhere there’s 4G mobile phone coverage.
You need a 4G broadband router in order to get 4G broadband. This device will have a SIM card installed in it that will connect to the nearest cell mast in your area (just like how your mobile phone works). You can then connect to your device through an ethernet cable or wirelessly if there is built in WiFi in your router.
When should you choose 4G Broadband over BT Internet?
If you find yourself in the situation that you need to choose a new broadband package, then you may find you have BT Internet and 4G broadband as options.
So, here a few scenarios where it might make more sense to choose 4G over BT Internet.
1. If you’re based in a rural area
If you live in a rural area, chances are your internet speeds are painfully slow when using fixed line services. This is because you are based a long distance from the nearest exchange cabinets. The longer the cables are between the exchange and your property, the slower the BT broadband will be.
4G coverage is now accessible to around 99% of the UK population. So, it is likely that you are getting some level of 4G signal that you can use for broadband to get superfast speeds, even when you’re in a rural area.
If 4G coverage is poor in your area, as long as you have outdoor 4G coverage where you are, there are still 4G options for you. For example, SimRush offer a broadband system that comes with an external high gain antenna which is designed to work in areas with weaker coverage.
2. When your broadband speed is very slow on fixed line
We’ve already discussed how in rural areas, speeds on BT broadband are usually incredibly slow.
But even if you don’t live in a rural area, broadband speeds for some BT broadband customers might still be painfully slow. This could be due to the infrastructure being out of date where you are, or your area might be low down on the priority list for access to superfast fibre. You could be waiting years to see developments that bring you faster speeds through BT!
And we’re not just talking about download speeds – we’re talking about upload speeds too. Many people suffer upload speeds of less than 1 Mbps when they are in a rural area!
With 4G broadband, you can finally have the chance to get the high-speed internet connection you deserve. Whilst speeds cannot be guaranteed with a 4G service, the average speeds in areas where 4G coverage is good will be much higher compared to landline internet.
How can the type of connection (wireless or cable) impact the speed of your broadband connection?
The type of connection, whether wireless or cable, can affect the speed of your broadband connection. Wireless connections may be subject to interference and signal strength issues, potentially leading to slower speeds compared to a more stable cable connection.
What is the significance of knowing that the speed ranges provided are estimates?
Understanding that the speed ranges are estimates is important because they are based on homes with similar lines but may not reflect the exact speed you will receive. Actual speeds can vary due to various factors affecting your broadband connection.
What factors can affect the speed you receive on your broadband connection?
Various factors can influence the speed you experience on your broadband connection, including the number of users sharing the connection, the type of connection (wireless or cable), and other external factors beyond your control.
How do download speeds and upload speeds differ in terms of their functions?
Download speeds enable you to retrieve data from the internet, while upload speeds facilitate sending data to the internet. The two speeds are essential for different online activities.
What are download speeds and upload speeds in relation to broadband?
Download speed refers to the rate at which you can download or stream content from the internet, while upload speed is the rate at which you can upload content to the internet, such as posting photos on social media.
3. When you are only looking for temporary connectivity
Maybe you’re moving office and need a temporary internet solution to keep you online during the move. Or perhaps you have a holiday home that you only visit for 4 months of the year.
Whatever the reason, 4G broadband packages are more ideal than BT Internet for temporary requirements because they are more flexible.
With BT deals, you will likely have to sign up for a long 24-month contract which you will need to pay monthly regardless of whether you are using the internet or not. You will also need a phone line installed and have to pay a line rental, which could be an issue if there isn’t already one present or if you’re in a remote location.
Whereas, with 4G broadband you can buy a 4G device and then choose a data SIM plan that suits your needs.
There are Pay As You Go SIM options which mean you will only pay for the data you actually use. And there are short-term contracts such as Unlimited 30-day contracts which enable you to use all the data you need for a one-month contract period or longer if you keep the SIM rolling. This will just require 30-day’s notice to cancel which you can submit when you no longer need internet anymore.
4. If you are moving house
Moving house is stressful enough without having to worry about setting up your new internet connection. With 4G broadband, all you need is a SIM card and an internet router, and you’re good to go. No installation is required for routers which are plug and play.
The good thing about 4G broadband is that it can be moved with you. Because it doesn’t require cabled infrastructure, it is more portable than BT Internet. Plus, you can expand your connectivity around the property using Wi Fi hotspots to get full WiFi coverage.
If you want to set up BT broadband and TV at your new house, including additional services such as BT sport, BT TV and a BT Smart Hub, you will need to arrange for your existing contract to be transferred to the new property.
And if there isn’t cabled infrastructure available at the new property, you may have to go through the process of getting an engineer out to survey and then wait for the installation to take place. It could take a while for you to get fully up and running in the new location.
So, which one should you choose?
It really depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you live in a rural area or if you move often, 4G Broadband is probably the better option for you. It will give you the best chance of achieving great speeds for your business or home.
However, if you live in an urban area with fibre infrastructure and you don’t anticipate moving anytime soon, BT broadband might make more sense for you. If you’re based in an area where the best BT broadband deals (such as BT superfast fibre broadband) are available, the chances are this will provide you with faster speeds than 4G.
This doesn’t mean 4G is completely out of the question though. Consider using 4G as a fast failover option if you rely heavily on the internet and can’t afford to be without it in the event of an outage. 4G will provide a reliable Wi Fi connection when a BT connection is lost.
